Newcastle Falcons have added to their second-row resources with the signing of Kane Thompson from the Chiefs.

Thompson, who has 28 caps for Samoa, can also play at No.8 played in both the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups and will join the Falcons after the Chiefs' Super Rugby season comes to an end.

Falcons boss Dean Richards said "Kane is a proven operator at the highest levels of rugby in the Southern Hemisphere and has down very well internationally for Samoa.

"We have really liked what we have seen of him and expect that the supporters will too and fully anticipate he will repeat what he has done all the way throughout his career and establish himself as a key member of the squad."